In 1991, Bret Easton Ellis’ book American Psycho took the literary world by storm with its shocking depiction of the excesses of the 1980s as told through the devious actions of serial killer Patrick Bateman. Nearly a decade later, Mary Harron’s filmic adaptation of Patrick Bateman’s self-love, self-loathing, and precisely calculated murders took the narrative to the next level. But it is without a doubt, the brilliantly sterile performance by Christian Bale as the wealthy and ambitious Manhattan investment banker with a psychopathic alter-ego that makes American Psycho completely mesmerizing. This ’80s insanity is a thrill to watch in any decade.

Part of Nitehawk’s SeptemberSHE MADE ITbrunch, midnite, and special event series.